Top image: in 1702 during the War of Spanish Succession a combined British and Dutch fleet attempted to take the port of Cadiz but poor planning led to defeat for Admiral Rooke.

Shortly after Rooke took his forces to Vigo Bay on the North-West coast of Spain. Here there were several Spanish treasure ships but they were heavily defended including a "boom" or blockade across the harbour made of ships masts connected at each end to a 70-gun ship.

Vice-Admiral Hopson in the Torbay rammed the defences and Rooke followed through with smaller vessels. After fierce general combat all the Spanish ships were taken. 115 of the Torbay's crew were killed.

Originally published in Look and Learn # 333 1 June 1968. zSea/Maritime zMilitary zHistorical